Reducing Residential Carbon Intensity: The New Role for English Local Authorities

Abstract

The residential sector is a substantial source of CO₂ in the UK, accounting for over 25 per cent of all end-use emissions. Improvements in energy efficiency are often cited as important elements of carbon reduction packages, with policy-makers emphasising the significant `untapped' potential of improved energy use in the home. The design and implementation of policies at a local level have a particularly important role to play, recognised by national government in their promotion of the 1995 Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA). The legislation places responsibility on local authorities to act as energy conservation authorities for all dwellings within their boundaries and to devise action plans for a 30 per cent reduction in energy use. Adopting a regional approach, this paper focuses on the HECA strategies of the 10 borough councils of Greater Manchester in the UK, examining the opportunities and constraints that face local authorities in their new role as 'strategic enablers'. Results indicate that greater collaboration, both between and within local authorities, would benefit the overall effectiveness of carbon reduction policies for Greater Manchester.